New Yorker cartoonist swears by "orgone energy"

[CLBECKWITH@aol.com]

Hello fellow Love-Hounds:

No, this *isn't* a spam; it's a rare mention of Wilhelm Reich, at least in the
 mainstream press.  The current issue of Newsweek (15th May 1995) has a
profile of octogenarian artist William Steig.  In addition to illustrating
many a cover of the fabled weekly mentioned in the subject line, Steig has tak
en his offbeat talents to a series of award-winning children's books.  His
latest volume is entitled _Grown-Ups Get to Do All the Driving_, published by
Harper-Collins.

Anyway, on to the relevant content:

<snip>

"...And every day, this disciple of the radical psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich
still climbs into his "orgone energy accumulator," a metal-lined wooden
cabinet designed by Reich to capture "orgone energy," a natural atmospheric
force that, according to Reich, can treat ailments ranging from cancer to
impotence.  A Reich disciple since the '40s, Steig has lately acquired an
orgone blanket, and soon, he reports happily, "I hope to get an orgone vest."

"About Reich, Steig never kids around."

<snip>

He may even live to enjoy that orgone vest.  The article states that Steig
suffers from emphysema and is going deaf.  So much for the power of orgone
energy--says the skeptic.

Take care,

Chris Beckwith
American Kate Bush Society
Publisher, "Letters from Orgonon"

Now eagerly trading Kate Bush print and radio interviews and shows--
e-mail me privately for details.